Suntrust Properties expands footprint with Sonrisa Gardens in Palawan
Suntrust Properties Inc. is bringing its residential and commercial development portfolio to Puerto Princesa City in Palawan with Sonrisa Gardens, a mixed-use community in San Pedro Village that broke ground on Sept. 12, 2026.
“Sonrisa Gardens is a reflection of how Puerto Princesa is evolving into a destination where people can live, invest and thrive. We see tremendous potential in Palawan, and this development allows us to be part of that transformation by creating a community that brings together quality living and modern conveniences,” said Suntrust president Atty. Harrison Paltongan at the groundbreaking.
Island-inspired setting
The development is part of Baytown Palawan, a larger township developed by Suntrust and its parent company, Megaworld Corp. Sonrisa Gardens combines residential spaces, commercial areas and landscaped open spaces in an island-inspired setting.
The groundbreaking marked the start of construction on the first three towers of the development.
“The groundbreaking marks the start of construction on the first three towers, bringing us one step closer to realizing this vision,” Paltongan explained.
The initial phase will offer 1,445 residential units, 33 commercial spaces and 236 parking spaces. The full development will comprise seven low-density, mid-rise towers on a nearly 35,000-sqm site in San Pedro Village.
The location also puts the development within reach of key areas in the city, including Puerto Princesa International Airport and the city center. As part of Baytown Palawan, Sonrisa Gardens is envisioned as one component of a larger township offering residential, commercial and lifestyle destinations.
Award-winning development
Designed by LPPA Design Group, the project earned recognition even before construction began.
Sonrisa Gardens received a 5-Star Award for Mixed-Use Architecture in the Asia Pacific Region at the 2025 International Property Awards. It also received the Ani ng Dangal Award 2025 from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts under the Architecture and Allied Arts category.
For prospective residents, the development offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. Its design incorporates three garden concepts—the Bamboo Garden, Zen Garden and Flower Garden—intended to provide landscaped spaces for relaxation and everyday use.
Amenities include a swimming pool, fitness gym, function hall and indoor playroom. These are complemented by the commercial component of the development and the wider offerings planned within Baytown Palawan, giving residents access to everyday conveniences without having to leave the larger community.
A growing portfolio
The project is another addition to Suntrust’s growing portfolio of residential developments, this time in Puerto Princesa, a city that serves as a gateway to destinations across Palawan.
For the developer, Sonrisa Gardens is an opportunity to bring its approach to community development to a market where residential, commercial and lifestyle needs continue to converge.
“We hope to create a community where people can enjoy modern living while staying connected to the unique character of Palawan,” Paltongan concluded.
